Bayer Healthcare distances itself from homophobic head of the Armenian Association of Young Doctors, avoids making public statement

Following my blog post President of the Armenian Association of Young Doctors calls for anti-gay violence, quite a few activists and concerned citizens both in Armenia and elsewhere contacted Bayer Healthcare to express their concern and outrage with the fact of their sponsorship of the conference co-organised by the Armenian Association of Young Doctors [to remind, the head of this Association is a virulent homophobe Gevorg Grigoryan who wants gays (“fag*ots”) to be burnt].

From my side, apart from sharing the blog post on FB and Twitter, and tweeting @Bayer and @BayerHealthCare, I contacted directly Bayer via their general maildesk contact system, as well as writing an email to the head of media relations Günter Forneck.

Although I did not receive replies from my email communication, I received a message from Bayer Healthcare via Twitter, explaining their position:

Dear Mika, we have seen your Tweets you published earlier this week.

Bayer condemns any behavior that discriminates against particular groups for example on ground of race and ethnic origin, color, nationality, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation.

Bayer does not sponsor the Armenian Association of Young Doctors.

Bayer’s support to the medical conference “Health-related issues of quality of life” in Erevan, 5-7 November 2015, was triggered by its partnership with the Armenian Anti-ageing Medical Association, one of the co-organisers of the conference.

Similar messages were received by others who contacted Bayer Healthcare re this issue.

While I was glad to receive a quick reply from the Bayer Healthcare distancing themselves from the Armenian Association of Young Doctors, and reaffirming their commitment to non-discrimination, I was not happy that these were done via private messages only, i.e. no public statement or press release by Bayer to make their stance firm and public.

My reply to them followed shortly:

Thank you for clarifications about your sponsorship of the conference and for re-affirming your stance against discrimination. I am writing to you on behalf of a group of LGBT activists and allies. I am glad to know that you do not sponsor directly the Armenian Association of Young Doctors. However, your support for the conference, even if via your partnership with the Armenian Anti-aging Medical Association, means that you sponsor an event which include organisation headed by a virulent homophobe. This was covered in social and other media, including the Armenian media outlet Epress.am. The Armenian Association of Young Doctors widely uses the fact of your sponsorship for their PR purposes (example). I would therefore like to ask you to issue a public press release to clarify the situation and your stance. Thank you in advance.

Unfortunately, despite repeated communications and twitter exchanges, I have yet to receive any public statement by Bayer Healthcare.

It is exactly because of such lack of firm stance that homophobes are able to use sponsorship from organisations like Bayer for their PR purposes, by effectively getting rewarded for spreading hate.

As I mentioned in my reply above, support for the conference, even if via partnership with another co-organiser, in the absence of public statement to clarify their stance, means that Bayer Healthcare sponsors an event which is co-organised by a virulent homophobe. As a consequence, many activists now question a non-discrimination commitment by Bayer, while number of young doctors in Armenia are unable to participate in the conference due to virulent homophobia by one of its co-organisers.

This tweet by @hambvart is very telling, indeed:

As young doctor I can't be @ @BayerHealthCare-sponsored conference cause I'm #gay & coorganizer calls 2 burn faggots http://gayarmenia.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/president-of-armenian-association-of.html

Many on Twitter and elsewhere expressed their outrage. Selected examples below:

@Khaghaghordyan:

@unzippedblog @BayerHealthCare really an appalling case of bigotry. Looking forward to read both the blog post and the statement

@GoldenTent:

@unzippedblog @VismundCygnus1 @Bayer @BayerHealthCare This doctor should not only not be rewarded but should lose his license

@GArmasCardona:

Young #Armenia|n doctor says "they [#gay|s] should be burnt," must not know about the Hippocratic Oath.

@CrazyPsyKO:

@KarenaAv This is incitement, plain and simple. Surely some law must cover it.

@VismundCygnus1 (here and here):

@GoldenTent @unzippedblog @Bayer @BayerHealthCare yep raises big questions. What if a client unknowingly goes for him for treatment and is a homosexual, wat will he do? Kill d client?! I agree this person cant be a doctor anymore

@KarenaAv:

@VismundCygnus1 @unzippedblog @Bayer @BayerHealthCare I expect Bayer to condemn this & withdraw its support. People are watching.

President of the Armenian Association of Young Doctors calls for anti-gay violence

Here we are. Gevorg Grigoryan, doctor, urologist, president of the Armenian Association of Young Doctors, and… advocate of anti-gay violence.

Says Gevorg Grigoryan: ‘They [gays] should be burnt.’ There should be total mobilisation to “fight fag*ots”. ‘We should not let them procreate’. Calls for beating, physical violence against gays and ultimately killing, as per Facebook screenshots of his comments (below, in Armenian).

“I will always be the one who will fight against homosexuals” [using derogatory Armenian word to refer to gays], calling LGBT people and their allies “grant seeking animals”, while the organisation he is heading aims at getting grants from international organisations ["- Միջազգային կազմակերպությունների կողմից առաջարված գրանտային ծրագրերի մասնակցություն"].

In a screenshot above, he confirms his anti-gay comments saying he is “proud” that he is against “perverse” people and “does not regret” what he said.

The Armenian Association of Young Doctors he is heading is holding a conference (6-7 November 2015, Yerevan, Armenia) re “health related quality of life”, and the conference is sponsored by number of organisations and pharma companies, including Bayer Healthcare. [other sponsors listed are Unipharm, Prom-Test Laboratories, Recordati]

I want to believe that they are not aware of the views of the president of the organisation they are sponsoring. Well, now they know.

I expect immediate actions from sponsors, and particularly Bayer Healthcare, by distancing themselves from this group, and withdrawing sponsorship.

Ethics Code of Recordati group offers “equal employment opportunities without discriminating on the basis of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicaps, nationality, faith, politics or trade union membership”.

Bayer specifically stresses that they will not fund “organisations that discriminate on bases of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation or national origin”.

Time to amend mistakes in relation to this Armenian organisation.

And in future, I call international medical, healthcare organisations, pharma companies, health/medical related groups and individuals in Armenia, Diaspora and elsewhere to boycott this and similar groups.

Not only Gevorg’s comments are in contradiction with all possible ethical and professional norms that any doctor should uphold, but they border with criminal activity as clearly contain hate speech and calls for physical violence.

Yerevan Diaries: downtown bar with safe sex message

*"Use of condoms is the best method to prevent AIDS and other STDs" - reads this educational message in one of downtown Yerevan bars

A1+: "Your Topic" - HIV/AIDS

Pretty good programme (AM) on Armenian online TV station A1+, with a focus on HIV/AIDS from all the right angles, and with knowledgable guests who speak the type language that should be example to others.

UNAIDS: Armenia lifts travel ban for people living with HIV

Excellent news!
***

Armenia lifts travel ban for people living with HIV

UNAIDS

GENEVA, 15 July 2011—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) commends the decision by the Government of Armenia to lift its travel restrictions for people living with HIV. The reforms—which took effect yesterday—align the country’s legislation with international public health standards.

Restrictions that limit an individual’s movement based solely on HIV-positive status are discriminatory and violate human rights. There is no evidence that such restrictions protect public health or prevent HIV transmission. Furthermore, HIV-related travel restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead long and productive working lives.

“I welcome Armenia’s decision to lift its HIV-related travel restrictions,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “I urge other countries to follow Armenia’s example and take the necessary steps to remove punitive laws and practices as a matter of priority,” he added.

With the removal of Armenia’s travel restrictions, UNAIDS counts 48 countries, territories, and areas that continue to impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV based on HIV status. Five countries deny visas even for short-term stays and 22 countries deport individuals once their HIV-positive status is discovered.

Armenia - ‘gay surrogacy paradise’ (report)

Who knew? :)

***
via Surrogacy Clinics

Gay Surrogacy Agencies in Armenia

Armenia is one of the leading medical tourism destinations for gay couples from all over the world looking for surrogate mothers because of its liberal surrogacy laws. The mushrooming of many a gay surrogacy agency in Armenia has made it possible for singles and gay couples to live their dreams of enjoying the joyful moments of parenthood. Armenia is a host to a large number of surrogacy facilities providing world class medical amenities and that too at a fraction of what it would cost in any other part of the globe. 

Many gay men have a longing for starting their own families. The legal complexities and time involved in adoption for gay couples makes surrogacy a more favored route to beginning their own families.

Surrogacy is a process wherein a woman, as a part of a financial contract, carries and delivers a child for others, with or without having a genetic relationship with the child. In gay surrogacy, one of the partners provides sperms that will be utilized for fertilizing the eggs of the donor or surrogate mother.

Why Gay Surrogacy in Armenia?

There are a number of advantages synonymous with going in for gay surrogacy in Armenia. The leading factors contributing to Armenia’s popularity as a leading gay surrogacy destination are as follows:

• Gay surrogacy in Armenia is very popular because Armenian laws do not illegalize surrogacy for gays, unlike many other European and western countries which have criminalized the same.
• Surrogacy for gay couples can be an emotionally trying and stressful experience with surrogate agencies in many countries refusing to treat their cases. Often inquiries for surrogacy by gays are dismissed by clinics in other countries on the grounds that gay men cannot cater to the overall developmental needs of the infant. Legal ambiguities and moral reasons can also play a dampener in the surrogacy efforts of gay couples. Armenia provides a number of avenues in the forms of IVF clinics and surrogacy agencies for gay couples looking for surrogate mothers.
• The geographical proximity to East European and West Asian countries, some of which have banned surrogacy for singles and same-sex couples, has made Armenia a sought-after destination since it ensures minimum travel costs.
• Also, cost of gay surrogacy in Armenia is a big draw, as the prices here are a pittance when compared to costs in the USA and the UK. However, low costs do not mean compromising with the quality of services offered.

Gay Surrogate Mothers in Armenia

Under Gay surrogacy programs in Armenia, surrogate mothers undergo various rigorous physical and psychological tests for a couple of months. Potential surrogate mothers are young and healthy females belonging to the age group of 18 to 35 years, with their own children and with no history of pregnancy related complications. More and more gay couples and singles are coming to Armenia as Armenian surrogate mothers are responsible citizens who have been screened for various kinds of ailments that can otherwise pose a risk to both the pregnancy and the infant’s longevity.

Legal Framework for Surrogacy in Armenia

Armenia is one of the countries in the world that have decriminalized surrogacy for single and same-sex parents. Surrogacy in Armenia is governed by the Armenian Reproductive Rights Law, applicable on both Armenians and international patients, which stipulate that a surrogate cannot refuse to pass on the infant to the party with which a contract has been entered into. However, a surrogate who is also an egg donor can rescind a contract, provided she reimburses all the expenses that have been incurred on the pregnancy. The intended parents are legally bound to incur all the expenses related to the pregnancy. In order to avoid problems in the future, detailed contracts are recommended. 

Armenia is a beautiful Eurasian country nestled between Eastern Europe and Western Asia and has a lot to offer to tourists looking for a combination of the wonders of nature and creations of man in the form of picturesque landscapes and amazing rock formations and, beautiful monasteries and castles, along with numerous museums showcasing an eclectic collection of glass work, jewellery, and contemporary art. A medical trip can be combined with a planned itinerary of this amazing country. The inexpensive world-class medical facilities, along with hassle-free legislations make gay surrogacy agencies in Armenia a preferred choice for ensuring a passport to the bliss of having children.

Turkey, Azerbaijan: Problems with access to heath care, violence and harassment against transgender persons - Council of Europe report

When they seek health care, LGBT persons sometimes perceive that they experience worse treatment in the health service than their peers. For example, reports and statements from NGOs in Albania and Azerbaijan, challenged by the health ministries of both member states, refer to hospitals which allegedly have refused to treat transgender women in accident and emergency departments. In Turkey, the Istanbul Provincial Human Rights Board has reported on similar problems as well as on the lack of privacy for medical examinations of transgender women.

Interlocutors in some member states reported incidents of violence and harassment against LGBT persons perpetrated by state actors. In Turkey harassment and violence towards LGB and especially transgender persons in Istanbul, Ankara, Mersin and Eskisehir was flagged as a major concern by several interlocutors, including in a report published by the Istanbul Provincial Human Rights Board.

Research confirms that many victims of a hate crime do not report this because of fear of expo- sure of their sexual orientation or gender identity or because of a lack of trust in the judiciary.

*Read also: Groundbreaking Council of Europe report issues ‘red cards’ to many member states, incl. Armenia, for failing gay rights

Specific obstacles for transgender persons and human rights violations - Council of Europe report

Legal recognition
In 10 Council of Europe member states this report has not identified legislation regulating the legal gender recognition. This is the case in Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Slovenia and “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”. Nor did this study find evidence that these 10 states offer the possibility for transgender persons to have their preferred gender legally recognised in an alternative manner (in the absence of legislation). In 13 other member states transgender persons are able to have their new gender legally recognised, either through going to court or by certain administrative practices or decrees. This is the case in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, France, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Poland and Serbia.

Change of name
Generally, member states require some form of medical opinion. Some states allow a change of name on documents only on production of a certificate from the medical profession confirming that gender reassignment surgery has taken place or evidence of the legal gender recognition (for example Croatia, Georgia, Latvia, Moldova, San Marino, Slovakia and Ukraine). At least three other member states require proof of hormonal treatment (Belgium, Croatia and Switzerland). In yet other states applicants need to have a gender dysphoria diagnosis to qualify for the name change (Denmark, Germany, Finland and some cantons in Switzerland). In some states such as Malta a court authorisation is required for a change of name. In the United Kingdom and Ireland a certificate from a notary is sufficient to secure a legal name change. In Ireland, it is remarkable that while it is impossible to receive legal gender recognition, there is a relatively simple procedure for a name change.

Gender reassignment treatment
Twenty-eight member states offer full or partial gender reassignment treatment to transgender persons (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Greece, Georgia, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Ukraine). The differences between these 28 member states are significant, ranging from member states where quality expertise centres are available and those where some but not all necessary treatment is available. In Malta and Ireland, for example, hormonal treatment is available, but no surgery. In yet other member states services are only available in one city.

In 13 member states (Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino) no facilities needed for gender reassignment treatments were identified. Transgender persons from these 13 countries wishing to undergo gender reassignment would then have to go abroad (they are explicitly advised to do so in some member states).

*Read also: Groundbreaking Council of Europe report issues ‘red cards’ to many member states, incl. Armenia, for failing gay rights

"I Live With HIV", Candlelight Memorial, Yerevan, Armenia, 15 May 2011

"I Live With HIV", Yerevan, Armenia, in front of the office of Armenia president

*via PINK Armenia Facebook page

Armenian gay rights group in LA - GALAS, raised thousands for AIDS Walk Los Angeles

Well done to GALAS members for their successful efforts in raising funds and awareness as part of the AIDS Walk Los Angeles. Many thanks to Haig Boyadjian for pictures. Such a lovely and cute team GALAS!

AIDS Walk Los Angeles is a 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) fundraising walkathon benefiting HIV/AIDS service organisations throughout Los Angeles County. This is an inspirational day filled with energy, excitement, hope, and even celebrities!

Earlier, LA-based independent Armenian publication - IANYAN magazine, posted an extensive reflection - Gay Armenians Raise Thousands for AIDS.

Below are selected extracts from IANYAN:

The Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society of Los Angeles (GALAS) has raised over $5,000  for AIDS Walk Los Angeles and will be walking with thousands of Angelenos in support of the 32 million people worldwide who are living with the disease this Sunday, Oct. 17.

With AIDS still considered taboo in Armenian circles, GALAS seeks to raise awareness and give back to the community. Their support and donation efforts benefit AIDS project Los Angeles, an AIDS service organization dedicated to improving lives of people affected by HIV, reducing HIV infection and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy.

GALAS member Haig Boyadjian has raised $1,000 alone and says he knows a few people whom he loves dearly that are HIV positive. “I feel helpless since there is no cure, this is my way of helping find a cure and raising awareness,” he said. “The dollar amount raised is impressive for a fairly small organization like GALAS.

Chris Garsevanian, another GALAS member  has raised $500, donations that came from a variety of sources including two gay Armenians, one straight Jewish man, a a straight Israeli woman from Manhattan and a straight Iranian woman from the Los Angeles area.

Garsevanian is hopeful for a cure. “I can imagine a world where kids only deal with AIDS in history books,” he said. “I have faith that we will find a cure to AIDS within my lifetime.”

For some, participating in the walk and raising money is all about exposure.
“Our participation in the walk exposes GALAS to not only the general public, but also to LGBT Armenians who thought they were the only ones out there,” GALAS board member H.S., who wanted to be identified by initials only and has raised $575 so far. [...]

GALAS’ participation, as well as the Armenian Gay and Lesbian of New York’s participation over the years in New York’s Gay Pride Parade are relatively recent spotlights on the Armenian LGBT community, which has faced discrimination and ostracization in the Diaspora as well as in Armenia.

GALAS, who offers psychotherapy services to members and non-members alike,  has received threatening and homophobic emails and voicemails in the past.

“I think the notion of gay Armenians existing is taboo, let alone the idea that there might be Armenians who have AIDS,” Boyadjian said. “It’s not really talked about all too much.”

Garsevanian agrees, citing the notion that AIDS in the community as well as LGBT Armenians were considered “folklore” until recently. [...]

“I am hoping that our general membership will be impressed with the amount raised and the time and energy that has been devoted to this cause by all the walkers and sponsors and will in turn be more active next year,” Boyadjian said. “As long as my walking inspires at least one other member to walk next year, then I would be content.”

British Medical Association declares that 'conversion therapy' for gays is discredited and harmful

Medical profession in Armenia should take a note of this important development. This should be publicised among Armenian psychiatrists and other doctors, as some of them still offer (or attempt to offer) a 'therapy' aimed at changing sexuality.

The Independent reports:

BMA declares that 'conversion therapy' for gays is harmful

By Sarah Cassidy

Friday, 2 July 2010

Gay rights campaigners were celebrating "a watershed moment" yesterday after doctors said so-called "conversion therapy" designed to change sexuality was discredited and harmful.

More than two-thirds of doctors at the British Medical Association's annual meeting in Brighton approved a motion backing a call for the Royal College of Psychiatrists and other mental health standards bodies to reject such treatments and ban their use in their codes of practice.

Health departments should also investigate alleged cases of conversion therapy being funded by the NHS, the meeting agreed.

The vote follows a year-long undercover investigation published in The Independent in February. Patrick Strudwick, a journalist and campaigner, posed as a "patient" to reveal how evangelical therapists – some operating within the NHS – tried to "reorient" homosexual men and women using techniques developed in the US. One of the people Mr Strudwick interviewed described his treatment as "psychological torture".

Mr Strudwick called yesterday's vote a "watershed moment in the struggle for gay equality".

He added: "My undercover investigation for The Independent, which prompted this motion, highlighted the fact that not only are psychiatrists and psychotherapists still peddling these abhorrent techniques, but that in some cases the NHS are paying for it.

"Hopefully, anyone involved in the so-called treatment of homosexuality will realise that the medical profession considers them dangerous charlatans, and will reconsider their beliefs. I also sincerely hope that any vulnerable gay person who is unhappy about their sexuality takes notice of this motion and realises that it is the world that needs to change, not them."

Tom Dolphin, vice-chair of the BMA's junior doctors committee who proposed the motion, said: "Sexuality is such a fundamental part of who a person is, that attempts to change it just result in significant confusion, depression and even suicide. You can't just wish away same-sex attraction no matter how inconvenient it might be."

But Cardiff consultant neurophysiologist Gareth Payne said there was no "gold standard" evidence that conversion therapy did not work and was harmful. He said it was important to respect the wishes of patients who asked for the therapy.

Eva Rivas on a mission to promote UK government’s 5-a-day healthy eating target (Eurovison fans)

Let’s see what Eurovision fans are discussing re Armenia entry this year. Below are just few of my picks which made me smile.

One of the frequently discussed topics about Eva Rivas: “how tall is she?”. Predictable, yes. But the curiosity of Eurovision fans doesn’t stop here. They also wonder: “Is she a human?”

“Has anyone seen Eva Rivas's birth certificate? Is she really a woman?”

“She's actually two women put on top of each other :)”

“Once more. Shes an Avatar :)”

Apricot Stone, well, apricots to be precise, inspired an exchange by health conscious fans.

“Just assume Armenia wins... are we going to have a whole bunch of songs about Fruits next year? Perhaps a Healthy ESC-week with fives-a-day :D?”

“Probably Azerbaijan will withdraw,pretending to be on the vegetable side :p"

Here I disagree. 5-a-day target of healthy eating by the UK government implies peaceful coexistence and consumption of both fruits and vegetables :)

Good luck, Eva! And wish you all have fun time tonight. It's the second semi-final, afterwards. Excitement :)

Jirair Ratevosian: “Changing Policy, Opening Hearts” - from Uganda to Armenia

I recommend reading this opinion piece in The Armenian Weekly by Jirair Ratevosian.

Jirair Ratevosian is the deputy director of policy at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. He is based in Washington D.C.

Below are selected extracts. For the article in full - see The Armenian Weekly.

Ratevosian: Changing Policy, Opening Hearts: An Anti Gay Policy in Africa Has Global Implications

In Uganda, if a mother suspects her child of being gay or lesbian and does not inform authorities, she could be jailed. This is one of many unconscionable repercussions if a proposed bill becomes law in Uganda. Not only does the bill deny the very basic rights that so many of us take for granted, the sentiments it fuels in Uganda and around the world poison the character of our humanity. [...]

Armenia, which decriminalized gay sex in 2003, is one of 67 signatories on an important UN declaration condemning harassment and prejudice based on sexual orientation.

Despite these laudable policy changes, there is not enough attention paid to the development of greater tolerance in Armenian society. Prevailing discrimination and harassment dehumanizes LGBT members of our community, and puts gay men and other men who have sex with men at higher risk of HIV infection than the general population.

HIV transmission among men who have sex with men is rising, accounting for nearly two percent of HIV infections, according to the National Centre for AIDS Prevention in Armenia. However, health experts and activists believe the official figures hugely underestimate the numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS and newly acquiring HIV infection in the region. Homophobia and discrimination—which invade the healthcare setting—are in large part to blame for driving gay men and other men who have sex with men underground and away from lifesaving HIV services and official statistics.

While there are many challenges to understanding and responding to these “hidden epidemics,” the time has come for all of us to be part of the solution. National governments, the private sector, churches, non-governmental organizations, and the media each have a role to play in strengthening capacity and willingness for a broader and more effective response to HIV/AIDS. For each of us, this means displaying greater acceptance and willingness to discuss these issues openly and free from judgment and hatred.

Injustice in our community taints the moral character of our resilient people, who in history have been targets of hatred and brutality, simply for existing. [...]

While time opens hearts and brings greater tolerance, each of us must be a force for unity in our common desire to live a free and dignified life. Our history would expect no less.

“Stop the Counter” events to mark World AIDS Day 2009 in Yerevan, Armenia

This year, group of Armenian NGOs united to mark World AIDS Day with a broad range of actions. Other individuals and organisations stage World AIDS Day related events too.

Organisers held a press conference today which has been widely reported by Armenian online media. As Tert.am rightly pointed out, the “Armenian public continues to cling to HIV/AIDS stereotypes”.

The other participant in today’s press conference, Mamikon Hovsepyan of PINK Armenia (Public Information and Need of Knowledge), turned his attention to those issues which affect gay and lesbian individuals, as well as substance abusers. “Because of discrimination and intolerance, they cannot go see a doctor or seek treatment.”

According to Hovsepyan, there is a widely held belief in Armenia that the danger of contracting the HIV virus stems mostly from gay and lesbian people; though, in reality, the virus is most often spread among heterosexual people. In Armenia, people’s rights continue to be violated, while the accessibility of treatment continues to remain a dream, concluded Hovsepyan.

Here is the schedule of main events planned for 1 December 2009 in Yerevan. I hope this collaboration will continue throughout the year, and we will see more actions planned in regions.

[Earlier, within the framework of “Stop the Counter” action, PINK Armenia and Armenian Student Forum organised trainings on 26-28 November to raise students/youth awareness about sexual health issues.]

Public Information and Need of Knowledge, Armenian Student Forum, Real World - Real People, Positive People Armenian Network non-governmental organization are organizing “Stop the Counter” action dedicated to World AIDS Day aiming to raise society's awareness and consciousness about the spread of HIV and stigma & discrimination against people living with HIV. (via PINK Armenia)
***
1 December 2009

16:00 Stop the Couner March starting from the park near to Yerevan State Conservatory and ending at Cinema Moscow. (for more details, in Armenian - see Aysor)

16.00 march > from Komitas statue (in front of Yerevan State Conservatory)
17.30 human ribbon > Republic Square
18.00 stop the counter > Aznavour Square (in front of the Cinema Moscow)

19:00 Cinema Moscow: “Who never leaved” film screening,

19:30 Cinema Moscow: “The Famous Armenian Cultural Figures against AIDS” exhibition opening, 22:00 KAMI club, afterparty with DJ Vakcinology. (for more about the exhibition and club party - see Hetq Online)

Important!!

If there is one party you should go on 1 December in Yerevan, it's party at AFTERSHOCK REPUBLIC. Surprises, information, worthwhile cause. Enter the club (only 500 AMD) and this all goes as a donation for PINK Armenia!!! Read here for more.


This events are supported by UNAIDS.

PINK Armenia and Armenian Students Forum unite forces to raise students awareness on sexual health

I welcome this initiative. They say, “united we stand...” They are right.
***

PINK Armenia (“Public Information and Need of Knowledge”) and Armenian Student Forum are organizing “Stop the Counter” action dedicated to World AIDS Day to raise students/youth awareness about sexual health issues.

Within the framework of this action, the organisers with the help of non-formal education will conduct trainings on issues related to sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.

PINK Armenia and Armenian Student Forum are looking forward to your active participation.

The trainings will take place at PINK Armenia’s office on 26-28 November and are free of charge: 2 Pushkin, apt. 11 (near Sakharov Square).

For more information, contact:  tel: (010) 58 09 44,
email: armstudforum@gmail.com, info@pinkarmenia.org

Armenian doctor rejects there could be love between gay people amid abundance of stupid commentary in an interview... with Aravot daily

Perhaps, I was too quick to praise Armenian daily Aravot for its apparent shift of attitude away from homophobia. Only 2 days ago, Aravot re-posted doctors.am publication on sexual orientation with calls to respect diversity and with the use of correct terminology to describe homo-, hetero-, and bi-sexuality.

Today, it was a different story: an interview with the so called doctor-sexopathologist Sevada Hakobyan. OK, the main blame here is on ‘sexopathologist’ but the way the questions were framed by the journalist Lusine Shahbazyan does not leave doubts on how prejudiced she is. (pay attention to the affirmative title of the article too - “Homosexuality as a sexual orientation disorder”) Aravot’s journalist is asking the ‘sexopathologist’ about “dangers of homosexual relations”.

Ինչպե՞ս են դառնում հոմոսեքսուալիստ, ի՞նչ վտանգավոր հետեւանքներ ունեն այդ կապերը:

I have to say that the so called ‘sexopathologist’ made some right comments too, particulalry mentioning that it’s not easy to distinguish gay men; that being feminine does not necessarily mean you are gay, and vice versa. Sevada Hakobyan also righty mentions, that although there are various theories in place, overall, you are born gay. It was funny to read doctor’s thoughts on gaydar (the ability of gay people to recognise each other), which is to some extent true.

However, what that doctor says afterwards completely discredits any provided commentary and doctor’s own professionalism. In fact, Sevada Hakobyan proposes a very own ‘theory of homosexuality‘ instead.

The ‘commentary’ goes on to refer to homosexuality as “disorder”, as compared to “normal” heterosexuality, and “dangerous” (in case of male homosexuality).

The ‘commentary’ then effectively denies the ‘reality’ of homosexuality in women, calling lesbian relations and women’s homosexuality a matter of esthetics, a “temporary pleasure”, as contrary to male homosexuality which is “more stable and very dangerous” (!!!) Truly, a new ‘theory of sexuality’ by Sevada Hakobyan.

«Սա ավելի շատ էսթետիկ եւ գեղագիտական նշանակություն ունեցող երեւույթ է՝ ժամանակավոր հաճույք, եթե, իհարկե, կորիզային, անփոփոխ բնույթ չի կրում: Տղամարդկանց մոտ նույնը չէ, ինչպես կանանց: Արական հոմոսեքսուալիզմն ավելի կայուն է եւ շատ վտանգավոր: Հոմոսեքսուալիստ տղաների գերակշռող մասի մոտ կայուն հոմոսեքսուալիզմ է: Սա մի երեւույթ է, երբ անհատին տհաճություն չի պատճառում իր սեռի ներկայացուցչի՝ տղամարդու հետ սեռական կապի մեջ մտնելը»:

During the interview, that doctor calls rectum a “sexual organ” for homosexual relations, and the sexual intercourse using “that organ” being prone in a majority of cases to getting “infected with AIDS”. [Our dear doctor is probably not aware of a basic and elementary knowledge that you do not get infected with AIDS, but with the HIV. I won’t even try commenting about that “sexual organ” thing.]

Այս կապերի ժամանակ սեքսուալ օրգան է հանդիսանում ուղիղ աղիքը: Դրանով տեղի ունեցող սեռական հարաբերությունները մեծամասամբ ՁԻԱՀ-ով վարակվելու հակվածություն է առաջացնում:

If you thought that the all above is outrageous enough, think again.

What is more outrageous is that the so called doctor ‘sexopathologist’ rejects that there can be any feelings and love between gay people, effectively equating homosexual relations to ‘sex only’.

Բժիշկ-սեքսապաթոլոգը բացառում է հոմոսեքսուալ կապերի մեջ հնարավոր զգացմունքը՝ սերը. «Այստեղ ավելի շատ սեռական ցանկության՝ լիբիդոյի ուղղվածության դրսեւորում է: [...]

I do not envy any patient which will get in contact with such a pseudo-professional. In fact, it can be dangerous for patient’s health. In any civilised country such a ‘professional’ will have his/her license to practice revoked.

Poster in Yerevan State College of Informatics (Armenia) put disabled children and homosexuality among causes of 'biological catastrophe'

And this college is supposedly considered a 'centre of excellence'?!... If this is what people 'study' at State colleges and 'centres of excellence', no wonder that the level of education in Armenia is on a steady decline.

Not only this poster reflects total lack of knowledge and bigotry by its creators and those who endorse it, but this is a clear indication of one of the main sources of hate in our society.

College administration either should take this poster down immediately, or share the responsibility with the creators of this 'educational material'.

*Thanks to Transgenders in Armenia for taking the photo. There are more reflections on this by Queering Yerevan and Dorian.

Editorial: "Armenia’s progressive new AIDS policy suggests it can be a regional leader"

By Jirair Ratevosian and Amy Hagopian

 

The Armenian Weekly

Earlier this year, we visited Armenia en route to a meeting of the 12th World Congress of Public Health Associations. We stopped in Yerevan to help celebrate with local organizations their recent success in persuading the government to repeal unwarranted requirements for foreign travelers to be tested for HIV.

In crafting the change in the law, Armenia's president and parliamentarians realized that longstanding regulations "did not meet the present-day requirements in the fight against HIV/AIDS," and acknowledged the lack of public health justification for barring immigrants with HIV. The parliament said the new rules were passed with the aim of "strengthening legal reforms and sustaining large-scale HIV/AIDS awareness raising activities" and "safeguarding human freedoms, dignity, and rights." This was a huge victory for public health and a proud moment for all Armenians.

There is added success to report in the global battle against HIV and AIDS. Several nations have demonstrated considerable progress in slowing national epidemics. In the last six years, rates of infection and death have slowed as the number of people receiving antiretroviral treatment has increased immensely. Many actors share credit in this achievement, most notably the United States, which mobilized billions of dollars in many low- and middle-income countries.

Despite progress in reducing HIV infections, the past years have also been marked by missed opportunities. There is a real danger in some countries, including Armenia, that the epidemic could surge in vulnerable populations, including women, injecting drug users, and men who have sex with men. These socially marginalized groups face considerable barriers to HIV prevention and treatment access, often as a result of institutionalized discrimination, stigma, and lack of awareness.

In fact, the United Nations estimates 7,400 people become infected with HIV every day. Globally, an estimated 33 million people were living with HIV in 2007. The number of people living with HIV in the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including countries of the former Soviet Union, has reached 1.5 million. Of that group, 2,300 are living in Armenia, according to the National Centre for AIDS Prevention, though the World Health Organization estimates the total to be higher. Silence, shame, and fear of ostracism enable HIV stigma and discrimination to flourish, resulting in fewer being tested and, ultimately, decreasing numbers of HIV/AIDS cases being reported.

Without appropriate health messages and support structures, vulnerable populations unknowingly engage in behavior that increases their risk of infection. A survey by Armenia's We For Civil Equality revealed young Armenian men who have sex with men are so poorly informed about HIV transmission that only half of the youngest men (18-30 years old) understood that "unprotected sexual intercourse" was a mode of HIV transmission. Half of those youngest men also believed, falsely, that one may get HIV through shaking hands.

Even more serious is the prejudice exhibited by members of the medical profession itself. Doctors, nurses, and staff responsible for the care and treatment of people living with HIV can sometimes turn out to be the most hurtful agents of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Scientific advancement and public health education have turned AIDS from a death sentence into a chronic disease. Armenia has an opportunity to ensure that HIV infection rates remain low and that people living with HIV and AIDS receive proper care. Investing in needs-based prevention programming, public awareness campaigns, expansion of access to antiretroviral drugs, and accurate and comprehensive sexual health education are critical components of an effective national response. Further, legal reforms are needed to create an environment conducive to eliminating discrimination, stigma, and violence against sexual minorities.

The lesson to learn from the countries where HIV infection rates have fallen sharply is that active participation of civil society is critical for success, including participation from organizations representing sexual minorities and people living with HIV/AIDS. Armenia has courageous groups working to provide life-saving services to vulnerable populations, such as Real World/Real People, Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK Armenia), and the Women's Resource Centre. With sufficient funding and political support, these and other organizations can transform community attitudes, drive policy, and mobilize the necessary resources to reverse the alarming spread of HIV among vulnerable populations.

The government, civil society groups, the private sector, the church, and the media all have a critical role to play in keeping Armenians healthy. Leaders in all sectors must model a willingness to discuss these issues openly and affirmatively enact policies to protect all citizens against discrimination and social exclusion. In turn, government must foster increased collaboration by supporting efforts to share information, address new challenges, and work collectively to design and deliver innovative and effective HIV/AIDS services.

Armenia has come a long way in a short time and the response to HIV will signal how it wants to advance on the global development agenda. While it was the last country in the south Caucasus to decriminalize sex between two males (2002), it demonstrated a progressive attitude by becoming the first country in the region to sign on to a UN statement against discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Ultimately, countries are judged by how they treat their poor, marginalized, and stigmatized people. Armenia can flourish as a regional leader by ensuring its people are healthy and cared for in a compassionate way.

Jirair Ratevosian, MPH, based in Washington D.C., chairs the International Health Advocacy and Policy Committee of the American Public Health Association. He was recently named deputy director of public policy for amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

Amy Hagopian, Ph.D. teaches at the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle, Washington. She is also a senior health workforce policy advisor for Health Alliance International.

 

*/emphasis mine/

Public TV of Armenia about transsexuals, gender reassignment surgery (video)

I posted about this programme few months ago. Now thanks to Transgenders in Armenia blog, a video extract from the programme aired by Public TV of Armenia.

London Gay Pride 2009 (video)

London Gay Pride parade (march), 4 July 2009

In this video: armed forces, police, fire brigade, National Health Service (NHS), Transport for London (tfl), British Airways (BA), sex workers, drag acts, Calvin Klein underwear models, swimmers, football players, Russian flags...



*Here is link to my Photostory